Scottish singer-songwriter Rachel Sermanni warns her audience in Edinburgh that she’s about to play a song even sadder than the last, and jokes that it’s okay if they shed a tear or two.

In truth, it wouldn’t have been altogether that surprising to see a few teary-eyes in the audience. The song was the astonishingly long ‘Gently’ – 9:44 on the EP of the same name and possibly longer live. It may not be the happiest track in the world, asking: “Am I the only one who is tired of it coming around,” and pushing on from there, but it is absolutely stunning.

And although it arrived halfway through Rachel’s set, it seems the perfect place to start when describing the artist’s performance, because although the song is lengthy, the lyrics and music are starkly moving and thoughtful throughout; painting pictures and taking the listener on a journey as they float into the ears.

​To be able to not only hold but transfix an audience through such a lengthy selection takes particular talent. The numbers and aptitude of the band on stage at Summerhall – two fiddlers, a drummer, guitarist and pianist – no doubt helped, but at the centre of the beautifully sculpted Scottish ambience was the lyrical and vocal talents of Rachel Sermanni.

When I was 15, Weezer played the Edinburgh Corn Exchange. Although Weezer were my favourite band and the Corn Exchange was only a 10 minute walk from my house, my Mum wouldn't let me go. I am yet to forgive her.

The stinger is that, aside from a T in the Park performance in 2011, Weezer haven't played in Scotland since. Until now.

On the 24th of October, Weezer are scheduled to play the O2 Academy in Glasgow. So why am I not punching the air, screaming 'Ooweeoo! I look just like Buddy Holly’?

Well, it's their new single, guys. It's really bad.

​Even before the Edinburgh gig my bitch mum wouldn't let me go to, Weezer were on a downward spiral. Fans were deserting the band in droves, claiming Rivers Cuomo hadn't written anything decent since either 2001's Green Album or 1996's Pinkerton.

Not me though. I was a Weezer apologist. Even on Raditude, an album with such songs as ‘The Girl Got Hot' and ‘I'm Your Daddy’ (also it was called Raditude), I could see the bright spots.

In 2014, Weezer released Everything Will Be Alright In The End (EWBAITE) to universal acclaim. They were sounding like the old Weezer again.

The official ex-pat line goes that a Scotsman abroad is more Scottish than ever.

So, although we’re not actually living outside of Scotland at the moment, we knew we had to get along to see Scottish indie-rock quartet Fatherson after they announced a date in Berlin which coincided with our elongated stay.

Normally travel is about indulging in all things foreign of course – the food, the music, the culture – but there was something wonderful in hearing the Kilmarnock accent of Ross Leighton front a terrific performance in front of a packed out crowd in the effervescent German capital.

‘Music & Frieden’ was a smaller venue than the group would be used to playing in the UK. We’ve previously seen them pack out The Liquid Room and The Caves in Edinburgh, but there was a decent turn out in Berlin. Well over 100 at a (very rough) head count.

“There were only 30 people here last time we played this venue. Thanks for coming along,” a smiling Ross told the crowd, evidently pleased that a whole lot more came along this time. Truth be told, the band were grinning throughout as their words reverberated back at them during the 15-song setlist.